Alvin is a beautiful 10-month-old baby from Tanzania. He is his single mother’s only child. Since his mother is still young, she depends on her parents to provide for her and her son.
Alvin was born with clubfoot of both feet. Clubfoot is a condition in which the foot is twisted out of shape, causing him difficulty standing, walking, and even wearing shoes. His mother was unable to seek treatment for her son immediately due to financial challenges. She shares that she felt so ashamed of her son’s condition that she kept it a secret, covering Alvin’s legs to keep people from seeing them. However, a neighbor saw his feet once, and she advised his mother to seek treatment for him because she knew his condition was treatable.
Fortunately, his mother eventually traveled to visit our medical partner’s care center, Arusha Lutheran Medical Centre. There, surgeons will perform clubfoot repair surgery on September 2nd. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $935 to fund Alvin’s clubfoot repair. After treatment, he will be able to stand and to walk without difficulty.
Alvin’s mother says, “The shame I had for my son’s disability is what kept me from seeking help. I hope he gets the necessary treatment.”